CREDIT: NASA

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County invites you to gather around a campfire as the sun sets on the shortest day of the year.

Join Forest Preserve District experts from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve for a Winter Solstice Campfire.

According to NASA, for us folks in the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year. In the steady march of the year in the Arctic, the days gradually grow shorter between June and December until the far North (not us) plunges into the complete darkness of winter.

The trend reverses at Winter Solstice, the point during the year when the Northern Hemisphere is the most inclined away from the Sun. After the solstice, which falls on Dec. 21 or Dec. 22 every year, the days begin to lengthen. Probably because the day marks the beginning of the return of the Sun, many cultures celebrate a holiday near Winter Solstice, including Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

Here in Kane County, you can learn about the winter solstice with stories from different cultures emphasizing the interplay of cultural and ecological events on this pivotal day. All ages are welcome to herald the return of the sun! This nature program is free, but space is limited, so register early!

Call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com to register. LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve is located at 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles.

For more information, call 630-444-3190 or visit www.kaneforest.com.